Four floors of hands-on exhibits, including a toddler area, dinosaurs and a giant-screen theater. It is the best rainy-day or heat-escape choice for kids.
Overview
The Orlando Science Center fills four floors in Loch Haven Park, just north of downtown, and is one of the most kid-friendly indoor attractions in Central Florida.
Highlights: KidsTown is a large, enclosed early-learning area for under-8s with a mini Florida town, a water-play area and a climbing structure. DinoDigs has full skeleton casts and a fossil dig pit. NatureWorks covers Florida ecosystems and live animals. Science Park and the Kinetic Zone have physics, building and engineering activities. There are also live science shows, a giant-screen dome theater (films included or extra, depending on the title) and the Crosby Observatory's large public refractor on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Who it's for: Mostly toddlers to tweens. Teens and adults will enjoy the travelling exhibitions and observatory nights. It is ideal for a rainy or very hot day, since everything is indoors and air-conditioned.
Practical tips (official site): Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and closed Wednesdays. Online tickets save $3 per person. Parking in the attached garage is $4 per hour, so budget about $12-16 for a visit. Allow 3-4 hours. There is a café on site, or picnic in Loch Haven Park. Check the calendar for "Science Night Live" (adults only) and special exhibits, which may cost extra.
Pairs well with: Harry P. Leu Gardens (#3) about 5 minutes away, or the Orlando Museum of Art next door.
Good to know
Closed Wed. Garage parking $4/hr. Some special exhibits and films cost extra.
Still being confirmed with the venue:
- Whether giant-screen films are included in admission for every title
- Observatory schedule
